When it comes to swimming pool safety for kids, you can’t afford to take risks. Drownings can occur in a matter of seconds and rank as the number one cause of death for children ages 1-4. If you own a pool, child and toddler pool safety has to be a consideration in your plans for pool features, accessories, and activities. The earlier you plan for safety, the easier it is to ensure you have a safer swimming area and the right habits to actively promote it–in and out of the water.
Kids And Pools
Whether they’re of the two- or four-legged variety, our kids love the pool. It’s fun to splash around in the water, get exercise, and spend time with friends and family. Unfortunately, they don’t always make the best decisions for their own health and wellbeing. That’s why constant supervision is a must. Anytime they’re in the pool, a responsible party needs to be there, monitoring and controlling the action–something our children don’t always understand the need for.
Kids of all kinds are naturally curious, generally adventurous, and as any parent will tell you, often stubborn. They may not comprehend why pool safety is important for kids or the danger of swimming alone. They may believe they’ll be fine or they’re big enough to do it themselves. Whatever the reason, the potential for unsupervised access to the swimming pool keeps a lot of parents up at night.
…But I Don’t Have Kids
Even if younger people won’t be regular guests, state law, homeowners associations, and other third parties often have safety requirements in place that serve to protect the public in general from the tragedies that can occur when unsupervised access to a pool is gained by anyone who lacks the mental or physical capabilities to save themselves should they fall into the pool. It is your responsibility to maintain a pool on your property in a safe manner and in accordance with these guidelines. The same principles that are right when considering pool safety for kids can help you protect anyone of any age who enters your pool area.
Always On Duty
No one, however concerned and caffeinated they may be, can be vigilant 24/7/365. It just isn’t possible. That’s why one of the most important items for kids’ pool safety is the planning and preparation made by a responsible pool owner. Before anyone dips a toe in the water, make sure you’ve created the safest possible pool area for when you’re there to supervise the proceedings and when you can’t be at home to keep an eye on the pool.
A lack of barriers is cited by the National Drowning Prevention Alliance as a contributing factor in the majority of accidental drownings. Safety barriers provide a physical deterrent to intentional unsupervised pool entry and can help prevent accidental pool entry by someone who is unaware the pool is closed, inebriated, or suffering a medical emergency. They are the most important pieces of safety equipment you can buy for your pool.
Removable Mesh Pool Fences
Mesh pool fences are anchored by strong poles and use a self-closing, self-latching gate to prevent entry to the pool area. Between the poles, panels of a durable, rip-resistant mesh create a barrier that lacks handholds for easy climbing, can be hosed off for easy cleaning, and is removable should more space be needed around the poo for a swimming party or other get together. Properly installed, these ASTM-compliant fences are perfect for protecting your pool area without breaking the bank.
Swimming Pool Nets And Covers
Another barrier option that promotes pool safety for kids, swimming pool nets and safety covers are anchored to your pool deck and stretched tight above the surface of the water. Safety covers provide a solid mesh that can support the weight of a full-grown adult, allowing them to be helped back to an edge. Nets can support a similar amount of weight, but the wide spacing of the knotting makes it harder for small children or pets to move far from the edge on, making them good for toddler pool safety. Properly secured and tensioned, they join mesh pool fences as some of the best barriers available for your pool.
Develop Your Skills
When you’re concerned about pool safety for kids, you’re willing to do whatever it takes to prevent accidental drowning. Developing your skills to both prevent and respond to water emergencies is vital. Classes are readily available in many communities from the American Red Cross, often in conjunction with a local organization or facility, to help improve community safety and teach you the skills you need to save a life.
First Aid And CPR
The foundation of lifesaving skills at both the amateur and professional levels, CPR certification recognizes that you have had the training needed to save a life in the event of a choking situation, cardiac emergency, or other condition leading to a loss of circulation or respiration. Infant, toddler, and child CPR includes specialized instruction for working with smaller victims whose bodies are still developing and often more vulnerable.
Water Safety
Water safety and lifeguard courses focus on the skills needed to recognize and react to water emergencies. Packed with in-depth knowledge, these are especially helpful if you may have pool situations that see multiple children using your pool all at once, with or without their parents present.
The Right Equipment
You’ve installed safety barriers around your pool, developed your skills, now it’s time to make sure you have the right tools on hand to ensure kids pool safety in and around the water. This can include both equipment for use in an emergency as well as the gear you need to maintain your pool in a safer manner.
First Aid Kit
These kits have the equipment you need to put your training to work in the case of both minor emergencies and serious events. Skinned knees, cuts, and sunburns are far more common than drowning injuries, so keep your supplies well-stocked and ready. Make sure your first aid kit is clearly visible or signs are posted in case another party has to grab it for an emergency involving you.
Flotation Devices and Long Pole
Flotation devices can be a literal lifesaver to someone experiencing a water emergency. From cramps to fatigue for new swimmers, a flotation device can give them the buoyancy and stability to keep their head above water until help reaches them. Long poles can be used to guide those in distress toward a pool edge or pull them to safety. These also need to be visible, accessible, and well-marked for guests.
Water Maintenance Equipment
It may seem odd to list this as kids pool safety equipment, but children are more susceptible to unsafe water conditions. Common hazards, like glass or electronics, should always be kept out of the pool area, but that doesn’t always stop kids from absentmindedly walking in with a tablet playing their favorite app. Long-handled nets, vacuums, and dredgers can keep the bottom of the pool clear, while double-checking chemical levels can be important for toddler pool safety by ensuring water levels are safe for more sensitive skin.
Local Pool Safety Experts
For two decades, Lifeguard on Duty has helped protect our friends and neighbors throughout the communities we live and work in. Professionally installed pool safety fences, nets, and covers are must-haves for kids pool safety, and offer peace of mind at a budget-friendly price. It all starts with a no-cost, no-obligation estimate from our installer that’s “right down the road” from your property.
Our installers are with you every step of the way. After evaluating your property, taking measurements, and giving you a written estimate, you’ll have the information you need for an informed decision. Installation can take as little as a week from scheduling, and we’re always a phone call away for adjustments and repairs. Create a safer pool for your family, friends, and pets. Contact Lifeguard on Duty to schedule your free quote today.
